CDW LLC, a leading provider of
technology products and services to business, government, education and
healthcare, today announced that it has achieved the Cisco®Master
Cloud Builder Specialization. This specialization recognizes CDW as
having the capabilities to build and deploy cloud-ready integrated
infrastructures based on Cisco solutions and technology ecosystem
partner cloud offerings across storage, virtualization, cloud management
and virtual desktop.

“The Cisco Master Cloud Builder designation recognizes CDW’s excellence
in navigating the complex process of building cloud environments,” said
Doug Eckrote, senior vice president, strategic solutions and services,
CDW. “Our upcoming research report, State of the Cloud, shows more than
half of organizations nationally are shifting or planning to shift
applications or infrastructure to the cloud. We can offer them the
highest level of technical expertise, a tailored combination of services
and offerings that takes into account specific customer requirements,
and a proven track record.”

The specialization is the result of a rigorous evaluation process in
which CDW demonstrated master-level capabilities in designing, deploying
and supporting data center cloud-ready
infrastructure, as well as an established record of success implementing
the technology for its customers. Evaluation for the specialization
concludes with an audit of the partner’s capabilities by a third-party
firm.

The Cisco Master Cloud Builder Specialization is granted to a specific
group of partners that possess in-depth technology and architecture
skills. These partners also have demonstrated customer success in
providing sophisticated, value-added Cisco Data Center and Cloud
solutions including sales, deployment and services for Cisco data center
and cloud solutions. Partners with a qualified data center and cloud
practice can achieve a Master Cloud Builder Specialization regardless of
certification level.

The Cisco
Resale Channel Program provides a framework for partners to build
and showcase the sales, technical and Cisco Lifecycle Services skills
required to successfully deliver Cisco solutions to end customers.
Through the program’s specializations and certifications, Cisco
recognizes a partner’s expertise in deploying solutions based on Cisco
advanced technologies and services. Using a third-party audit process,
the program validates a partner’s technology skills, business practices,
customer satisfaction, presales and postsales support capabilities, and
other critical factors that customers consider when choosing a trusted
partner.

CDW employs more than 500 Cisco-certified engineers and architects
across the United States, including more than 50 with the CCIE
certification – one of the highest technical certifications offered by
Cisco. CDW holds all available Cisco Master Specializations – Cloud
Builder, Managed Services, Security and Unified Communications.

CDW is a leading provider of technology solutions for business,
government, education and healthcare. Ranked No. 31 on Forbes’
list of America’s Largest Private Companies and No. 270 on the FORTUNE
500, CDW features dedicated account managers who help customers choose
the right technology products and services to meet their needs. The
company’s solution architects offer expertise in designing customized
solutions, while its advanced technology engineers assist customers with
the implementation and long-term management of those solutions. Areas of
focus include software, network communications, notebooks/mobile
devices, data storage, video monitors, desktops, printers and solutions
such as virtualization, collaboration, security, mobility, data center
optimization and cloud computing. CDW was founded in 1984 and employs
more than 6,900 coworkers. For the trailing twelve months ended
September 30, 2012, the company generated net sales of more than $10
billion. For more information, visit www.CDW.com.

Cisco and the Cisco logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of
Cisco and/or its affiliates in the U.S. and other countries.

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